Saudi Arabia is experiencing a remarkable tourism boom, surpassing its ambitious target of 100 million visitors earlier this year, seven years ahead of schedule. Now, the kingdom is setting its sights even higher, aiming to attract a staggering 150 million tourists by 2030. Malaysian travelers are poised to play a key role in this ambitious plan, with Saudi Arabia actively promoting itself as a premier travel destination for Malaysians.
Alhasan Aldabbagh, President of the Saudi Tourism Authority (STA) for the Asia Pacific region, expressed his optimism about the growing interest from Malaysian travelers. “All Malaysian tourists are warmly invited to experience Saudi Arabia,” he stated in a recent interview, emphasizing the kingdom’s commitment to welcoming visitors. Saudi Arabia emerged as a top long-haul destination for Malaysian travelers last year, accounting for 23% of all long-distance trips. This trend is further reinforced by the significant 15% increase in Malaysian visitors in 2023 compared to the previous year.
To further strengthen tourism ties with Malaysia, the Saudi Tourism Authority (STA) has been actively engaging with travel partners in Kuala Lumpur. A notable initiative was the inaugural Saudi Travel Fair, held last month at IOI City Mall in Putrajaya. This event offered visitors a glimpse into Saudi Arabia’s rich history, culture, and stunning landscapes through immersive virtual reality experiences. Interactive activities, such as creating misbaha (Islamic prayer beads), visiting a zamzam water station, and enjoying live cultural performances, provided a taste of Saudi culture, sparking interest in exploring the kingdom firsthand.
For those contemplating a Saudi Arabian adventure, Alhasan Aldabbagh offers valuable suggestions. He highlights several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Diriyah, a 300-year-old city built around the historic district of At-Turaif, and Al-Ula, an ancient oasis boasting 200,000 years of history. Al-Ula is also home to Maraya, the world’s largest mirrored building, which hosts cultural events near iconic landmarks like Elephant Rock.
For contemporary art enthusiasts, Alhasan recommends visiting the teamLab Borderless Museum in Historic Jeddah. This groundbreaking “museum without a map” features over 80 interactive digital artworks. Families traveling with children can explore the fascinating marine life at the Fakieh Aquarium or marvel at King Fahd’s Fountain, which shoots water 312 meters into the air. Additionally, a two-hour drive from Madinah lies Khaybar, a site steeped in history and spiritual significance. Known for its stunning oasis and ancient forts, Khaybar holds historical importance as a battle site from the time of Prophet Muhammad.
For travelers seeking the pinnacle of luxury, The Red Sea presents a pristine new destination that seamlessly blends natural beauty with opulence. Whether it’s relaxing on stunning beaches, exploring canyons and mountains, or discovering mangroves and crystal-clear waters, this destination delivers an unparalleled experience. A unique highlight is the chance to witness diverse marine life, including endangered green and hawksbill turtles, as The Red Sea is home to the world’s fourth-largest coral reef system, adding an adventurous edge to the luxurious setting.
Three exquisite resorts, each described as private island paradises, offer both overwater and beach villas: Six Senses Southern Dunes, a 76-key desert retreat that celebrates the Nabataean heritage of its surroundings; St. Regis Red Sea, an exclusive resort on a private island with 90 overwater and beachfront villas; and Nujuma, the seventh Ritz-Carlton Reserve globally. Plans are underway to open 12 more resorts between 2024 and 2025, with a total of 50 hotels across island and inland locations by 2030. With luxury marinas, golf courses, and world-class entertainment on the horizon, The Red Sea is poised to become “the ultimate ultra-luxe travel destination.”
Safety and accessibility are paramount considerations for travelers. Alhasan emphasizes that “Saudi Arabia is a welcoming destination for all, regardless of gender or religion.” The kingdom ranks 26th in the 2024 Numbeo Safety Index, making it one of the safest nations among the G20 countries. Madinah has been recognized as the safest city in the world for solo female travelers for the third consecutive year, according to data from the insurance website InsureMyTrip.
In addition to peace of mind, ease of access to Saudi Arabia is another major attraction. Malaysia is one of 66 countries eligible for the kingdom’s eVisa program. Travelers with Umrah visas now have the flexibility to not only perform Umrah but also explore Saudi Arabia at their own pace, as the visa has been extended to allow a stay of up to 90 days. The Umrah visa can be conveniently applied for through the Nusuk app, which supports multiple languages, including Bahasa Malaysia, making the process easier for Malaysian visitors.
Saudia, AirAsia, Malaysia Airlines, and Batik Air offer flights to four key Saudi Arabian cities: Jeddah, Riyadh, Dammam, and Madinah, enhancing connectivity between Malaysia and Saudi Arabia. In July, Malaysia Airlines’ special pilgrimage service, Amal by Malaysia Airlines, launched a new route from Johor to Madinah, further expanding travel options for Malaysian travelers heading to the kingdom. Additionally, AirAsia introduced a new direct route from Kuala Lumpur to Madinah last month, providing even more convenience for travelers looking to explore Saudi Arabia or embark on religious pilgrimages. These developments underscore the growing accessibility and strong travel ties between Malaysia and Saudi Arabia.
